In the Kingdom of Gladenia, a land known for producing geniuses like scattered stars, there was a boy who shone differently — Gabriel.
Even as a child, he seemed indifferent to rules. Sleeping in class, ignoring scoldings, yet somehow consistently achieving top scores.
"Gabriel! Are you sleeping again?" the teacher shouted, frustration clear in his voice.
Gabriel lifted his head slowly, blinking at the teacher as if awakening from a distant dream.
"Yes…" he said flatly, yawning in a way that somehow made it seem both genuine and deliberate.
"You… who do you think you are, sleeping in my class?" the teacher demanded, his face red with anger.
Gabriel smirked, rolling his shoulders lazily.
"Sir… I just didn't want to fall asleep during my next class. I made this sacrifice for efficiency. Surely, you understand."
The teacher froze, uncertain whether to scold him further or surrender to frustration. Students tried to stifle laughter, glancing between Gabriel and the teacher in confusion and amusement. Even his parents, when called to the school, admitted they were equally proud and worried — proud of his intelligence, worried for his audacity.
---
Years passed. Gabriel grew taller, older, and sharper. Graduation day came, and he held in his hands a simple piece of paper — a diploma.
"All of those scoldings… all of that stress… for a single piece of paper?" he muttered, squinting at the certificate in the sunlight.
Around him, classmates cheered, tossing hats into the air, celebrating the end of years of structured learning. Gabriel barely noticed. His mind was already elsewhere — calculating, analyzing, and dreaming.
"They believe this defines their worth… pathetic," he whispered to himself. "Knowledge isn't measured on paper. It's measured in action, in results, in how far you can push the world."
He folded the paper casually, slipping it into his satchel.
"Time to see the world… time to take and learn what it offers," he murmured, a grin curling across his lips.
---
Months later, Gabriel held in his hands a small, official piece of parchment — a traveler's license, granting him freedom to enter kingdoms without interference. With his modest allowance, he purchased carriages, horses, weapons, and food supplies, each carefully chosen for utility and value.
"My journey begins here," he said, eyes gleaming with anticipation, adjusting his satchel.
The first stop: Kingdom of Brando, famous for its proximity to four dangerous dungeons.
"Perfect," he muttered under his breath. "A place full of adventurers… all desperate, all predictable. The perfect market for supplies."
As Gabriel guided his carriage into the city streets, he observed the chaos with a careful eye — merchants shouting prices without logic, adventurers haggling loudly, townsfolk ignoring valuable goods.
"Naive fools," he whispered. "All of them missing the bigger picture. If only they knew how to calculate value instead of shouting it."
He entered a crowded inn, spotting a group of adventurers arguing over weapon quality. With casual confidence, he approached.
"You lot look like you could use better gear," he said, examining their worn swords and battered armor. "I have supplies that will last through every dungeon you dare enter."
Skepticism flared in one adventurer's eyes.
"And why would a traveler like you have better weapons than the merchants here?"
Gabriel tilted his head, voice calm and precise.
"Because I calculate everything — price, quality, utility. Unlike most here, I profit while others lose. You can gamble blindly, or you can follow someone who thinks three steps ahead."
A burly man with a crooked grin nodded slowly.
"Alright… show me what you've got."
Gabriel's grin widened, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes.
"Perfect. Let's make this worth our time… and yours."
---
Eventually, his supplies were taken or sold in the chaos of eager buyers. Leaning against his empty carriage, Gabriel's grin did not fade.
"What should I sell now…?" he muttered, scanning the bustling market.
His sharp gaze fell upon a blacksmith struggling to meet adventurers' impatient demands. Gabriel approached, tone casual yet commanding attention.
"I have the materials you need to craft superior blades… faster than anyone in Brando," he said smoothly, voice confident.
The blacksmith's brow furrowed, skeptical.
"Why should I trust you, human?"
Gabriel's grin widened.
"Because I don't gamble. I calculate. Cost, efficiency, demand… I guarantee your profits rise if you follow my plan. Nothing to risk, everything to gain."
The blacksmith hesitated, then nodded slowly, realizing the opportunity. Gabriel, even with minimal goods, had made his presence feel valuable.
"Observe," he whispered to himself. "Opportunity isn't about abundance… it's about perception, knowledge, and timing. And I… have all three."
---
Before long, Gabriel's eyes turned to the Kingdom of Alivia, home to elves, rare herbs, and treasures that promised greater profit than any human city.
"Seedlings and herbs… my next target," he murmured with a sly grin. "Kingdom of Alivia. Elves, rare goods… and wisdom to match."
Adjusting his satchel and checking his carriage, he set off toward the horizon. Silver-leafed forests rose ahead, majestic and mysterious, their branches dancing in the wind.
As he entered, a group of elves appeared, moving gracefully between the trees, their eyes sharp and assessing.
"Halt, traveler," one said, bowing slightly. "State your purpose in Alivia."
Gabriel's grin never faltered.
"I come seeking knowledge and trade. Herbs, seedlings, anything valuable to your people that can also benefit mine. In return, I offer goods, techniques, and insight."
The elf's sharp gaze softened slightly, curiosity piqued.
"Insight? Most humans speak without thought… and bring only chaos. Why should we trust you?"
Gabriel's smirk deepened, voice calm yet daring.
"Because I am not most humans. I calculate, observe, and act. I waste nothing. Give me a chance, and I will prove that every coin, seed, and herb I handle multiplies in value. You risk nothing, yet gain much."
After a moment of tense silence, the elves nodded, allowing him to present his goods. Even in a foreign kingdom, Gabriel's presence commanded attention. His intellect, charm, and confidence drew admiration quietly but unmistakably.
"This is only the beginning," he thought, eyes gleaming. "Alivia will teach me… and I will profit from every lesson it offers."
---
And so, Gabriel's journey continued — a mortal genius moving between kingdoms, learning, trading, charming allies, and gaining admirers. Each calculated step brought him closer to wealth, freedom, and influence. The world was vast, opportunity limitless, and his dream was only just beginning.